Thursday, July 12, 2012

The law of unintended consequences.

Last year, at about this time, I purchased a 23ft 1990 Prowler Travel Trailer. It wasn't in the best of conditions, but I like projects and this was a good one, it seemed. I spent most of the winter fixing it to my requirements. (It isn't a real winter here in Southern California, but Californians think it is.) I got to the point where I was using it almost every weekends to go take pictures in remote areas. I really enjoyed the comfort of home, and the solitude allowing me to do what I like to do best...taking pictures.

I also wrote and edited two of my e-books in that trailer, using my iMac and iPad. The Pentax K-01 - "Everything you need to know...and then some" and The Pentax K-30 - " Everything you need to know and then some" soon to be released.There is nothing like being away from the City noises to clear someone's mind.

I'm certainly not a "Spring Chicken" and I am starting to realize that retirement may be my "next adventure". I thought long and hard as to what I was going to do when I do retire. I'm not one to sit in a rocking chair on the front porch and wait for the "big one". So my retirement plans will have to revolve around photography in one way or another. I currently write e-books, mainly for the Pentax brand, and will have more time to do even more after retiring. Things have changed a little at PENTAX since RICOH took over, and some of my good friends have found work elsewhere. With less physical camera shows and more cyber presence, it's harder to really make new acquaintances, but I am hoping to meet and interact with the newer employees of the PENTAX/RICOH group soon.

I got ahead of myself and put my refurbished trailer up for sale. Why? Well, I went ahead and bought a 30ft fifth wheel trailer, at a good price, with more expandable space and commodities. My spouse and I will live on the road as RV full timer for who knows how long, as soon as I retire. I am planning to travel across the US and Canada. I will write more e-books, and even include e-books for other brands of cameras, time permitting. However, Pentax will always be my first love. Of course, the main object will be to capture images of North America, the beauty of its landscape and of course the wonderful people.

My blog will then take a new direction as everyone will be able to follow our journey and perhaps meet with us at the locations the road will take us.This is not going to happen overnight, but it is now predictable.

The title of this post is "The law of unintended consequences" and here's why. The sales person assured me that my Chevy Silverado, 4x4 with a 4.8L V-8 engine would be capable of pulling the fifth wheel with no problems. He was wrong and there is nothing I can do now but look for a bigger truck. That was unintended. I will likely get a Ford F350 HD with a diesel engine. That's the unintended consequence. This will cost lot of $$$ to get that rig and a lot of $$ in loss for the transaction with the Chevy.

Although this is going to happen, it will not be for a while and I will continue to run this blog the way it currently is. Pentax will continue to me the main course.

I will inform all when I make my move and the blog will become more lively than ever before. In my dreams, I see myself travelling through the Countries, US and Canada, partly sponsored by Pentax and stopping at stores and other venues along the way to demonstrate and praise the virtues of the Pentax cameras and equipment. "Don't wake me up just yet".

Not the best photo, taken with my iPhone. It's a she and her name is "Ruby".